New rules on drug testing for gardai will come into effect before the year is out, the Department of Justice pledged this week.
It is one of 34 recommendations in a garda inspectorate report on tackling corruption within the force, published last year.
And earlier this week, the Department of Justice published an action plan to implement drug-testing legislation which has already been enacted.
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Garda representative bodies and unions are now being consulted.
The plan stipulates that any new garda recruits must undergo mandatory drug testing “as a condition of their employment”. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “The vast majority of garda members serve the organisation and the State with integrity each and every day of their careers.
“The unique nature of policing means it is one which is open to the threat of corruption.
“This report will help ensure that An Garda Siochana has the appropriate structures and measures in place to guard against that threat.”
A new Garda Anti-Corruption Unit has been set up and an anti-corruption policy published, as well as the Substance Abuse (Controlled Drugs) Policy.
Minister McEntee said: “We have enacted legislation to enable testing of personnel for controlled drugs in An Garda Siochana.
“My officials are working on legislation to bring this into effect.
“Work has been undertaken by An Garda Siochana to counter corruption, and to develop a culture where it is safe and encouraged to speak up.”
So far just two of the garda inspectorate’s anti-corruption report’s 34 recommendations have been implemented.
One is that gardaí ensure there is clarity regarding completion of the ethics in public office declarations.
Another is to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Unit has visibility of all reports of wrongdoing.
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